U.S. Senate Asks- How Can We Make Semi Trucks Safer?

Posted on Aug 24, 2011The Senate is currently considering additional truck safety legislation that would increase the number of safety measure already being used by the Department of Transportation. The following proposed trucking legislation would, hopefully, reduce trucking crashes in Texas and across the nation:

· Mandatory 65-mph speed limits for semis

· Mandatory onboard recorders

· Strengthening the FMCSA's ability to revoke the registration of a carrier

· Requiring potential carriers to pass a written exam and submit a safety management plan

· Studies on the effectiveness of detention time and the need for standards on roof and pillar strength, air bags and front and back wall elements

· Continuing work on getting a safety fitness enforcement plan in place

Will New Rules Reduce 18-Wheeler Accidents in Texas?

While most of the proposal seems like a good step toward making trucks safer, toward holding trucking companies responsible for their actions, it is unlikely that the legislation will go into effect anytime soon. Budget cuts across the nation mean that issues such as large truck safety get put on the backburner. Only time will tell if the proposal will be signed into law; but it seems doubtful.

The staff and attorneys at the Hart Law Firm will be following this story closely, bringing you any updates that apply to the truck safety proposal.